Average cost to get your nails done (manicures and pedicures)
Do you enjoy the simple pleasure of having your nails done professionally?
There are few things more relaxing than a quick foot or hand massage. Your nails will look better for several weeks.
You might be a frequent nail artist and have noticed that prices can vary depending on where you go and what design you want.
Pedicures are $35-$40, while manicures can cost between $20 and $25. Gels and specialty manicures, such as acrylics, cost between $35-45. Price differences can be caused by the availability of different colors, finishes, salon designs, and types.
French manicures typically cost $10 more. A basic manicure costs $25, while a French manicure costs $35. A nail salon should charge $45 for acrylic nails. French acrylic nails should cost around $55.
The only main difference between French manicures and regular manicures , is the color at the tip of your nails. French manicures use a pink base and a white tip, while regular manicures are made with creamer colors.
Let’s look at how much it costs to maintain nails and give you an idea of what the various types of manicures are. Also, let’s see who can do them and what they should know.
The cost of having your nails done varies depending on where you live. Larger cities like New York or Chicago are more expensive than smaller ones such as Detroit. Below is a comparison between the average cost in the United States and specific cities.
| Acrylic | Gel | |
| The Whole USA | $35 | $50 |
| New York City | $40 | $50 |
| Detroit | $25 | $35 |
| Chicago | $50 | $60 |
| Los Angeles | $35 | $45 |
Manicure Prices Range
An average nail salon charge is $25-35, while a high-end spa can cost $45-75. The price of a manicure or pedicure will vary depending on the salon visited, what additional services are purchased, and whether the person is going for a manicure or a pedicure.
Here is the Cost Calculator breakdown of nail painting costs.
Nails Painted at Budget Nail Shops:
| Manicures | Pedicures | |
| Standard | $10 to $15 | $15 to $25 |
| Deluxe | From $20 to $25 | $25 to $35 |
Nail Art at Average Nail Salons:
| Manicures | Pedicures | |
| Standard | From $20 to $25 | $35 to $40 |
| Deluxe | $30 to $45 | From $45 to $60 |
Nails Painted at Luxury Spas or Hotels:
| Manicures | Pedicures | |
| Standard | $25 to $45 | From $45 to $50 |
| Deluxe | From $50 to $75 | $75 to $135 |
To soften nails and skin, a standard manicure includes soaking your fingers in moisturizer-infused waters. You should trim the nails and shape them. The cuticles should be pushed back, and the nail’s surface should be buffed with a file. Standard manicures should have a choice of nail polish colors.
A deluxe manicure should include exfoliating one’s hands with a sugar scrub or salt scrub and then a soak in aromatic oils. A Deluxe manicure might include a hand massage, followed by a dip in paraffin wax for about 10 minutes to soften hands.
Warm water should be used to soak the feet and soften the skin. A lot of salon chairs can also provide a neck and back massage.
Standard pedicures include trimming and shaping nails as well as sanding dry skin with a pumicestone or other methods.
To even out nails, polish should be applied to them.
A sugar scrub or salt scrub is part of deluxe pedicures. To make your feet soft, soak in oil or paraffin wax. A technician will usually perform a brief foot massage during deluxe pedicures.
You can also add additional services to your manicure or pedicure, such as French tips which may increase the cost by $5-10. Paraffin wax treatments can be an additional charge, usually between $8 and $15 per treatment for feet or hands.
Most salons charge $5 to $15 for polish changes. A tip of 15% to 20% of the total bill should be included.
Acrylics Prices
Acrylic nails are made of a powder that has been dissolved in solvent. The dough is then mixed into a blob and applied to the nails using a brush. Acrylic nails are a great choice for people who want to have longer nails or a different shape. Acrylic prices depend on the type of salon one visits. Pink and white acrylics have a higher price, so the color selection is more costly.
Here is the complete cost breakdown for acrylic nails.
Acrylics Nails in Budget Nail Shops:
| Acrylics | |
| Standard | $25 to $35 |
| Pink and White | $30-40 |
Acrylics Nails at Average Salons:
| Acrylics | |
| Standard | $35 to $45 |
| Pink and White | From $45 to $50 |
Acrylics Nails at Luxury Spas or Hotels:
| Acrylics | |
| Standard | 50 to 70 |
| Pink and White | $75 to $85 |
Acrylic manicures offer the same services as standard manicures, but you have the option to choose the color, length, and shape of your nails.
Before attaching the acrylic nail to the nail bed, the technician will use an adhesive. Once the nail is shaped and sanded, the technician will add polish or accessories.
Acrylics can be made more expensive by adding specialty designs like multiple colors or fake jewels. This could result in a minimum 20 percent increase in the cost of acrylics, which is $3 to $5 per nail. Broken acrylics can be repaired for $5-10 per nail.
How to Care For Acrylic Nails
Acrylic nails should only be filled once every two weeks, and no more than four times.
Fill-ins typically cost between $20 to $40. Acrylic gel refills can cost between $30 and $40.
If one gets fill-ins every 2 weeks or when nails start to grow, acrylic nails can last for up to 2 months.
You must also take care of them properly to prolong their lives. To reduce bacteria damage, avoid excessive contact with water and your hands.
Oiling acrylic nails daily once or twice a day will help keep them flexible and prevent chipping and breaking. Do not attempt to fix acrylic nails that have split or chipped. Instead, visit your nail technician to repair the damaged area.
Gel Prices
Gel manicures are very popular with people who work long hours and have their nails in the spotlight.
Gel nails last about a month, if applied correctly. They cost between $40 and $60 depending on their complexity.
For small nail shops, a complete set of gel nails will cost between $35 and $40. Gel nails can be purchased at mid-range salons and spas for between $45 and $55. Gel nails are typically $60-$100 at resort spas and high-end nail salons.
Gel nail polish can be “cured” by placing it under a UV or LED light. You can ask your salon to use an LED lamp or to apply sunscreen before you get your manicure.
Gel manicures are not likely to cause damage to your nails if done correctly. However, professional removal can be very dangerous.
You can remove gel nail polish using acetone, cotton balls or tin foil. It may be necessary to put your nails under an LED or UV lamp to safely remove the polish.
Gel polish should be removed with care. Gel removal will cost you on average $10-20 at a nail salon.
You can remove gel polish by yourself using a 100 percent acetone solution. After removing the top coat, soak your nails for at least 3 minutes in the solution.
Use a wooden cuticle to remove any remaining polish after it has turned to jelly-like consistency. You should moisturize your nails with a cuticle oil, a hand cream, and a nail or skin cream.
How to Locate a Skilled Nail Technician
Patience is one of the most important qualities you should look for in a person you trust with your nails.
Patient nail technicians will pay attention to even the smallest details. This will make your nails look better and be healthier.
A rude nail technician can be very rough on your cuticles. This can cause bleeding and pain for many days. It is also important to choose a nail technician that does not cut your nails too short, as this can cause pain.
Creative and passionate nail artists are also the best. This will show in their nail art.
It is common to see photos of a nail salon or a specific nail artist on their websites or social media pages like Instagram and Facebook.
It is important to find a nail technician who is up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques. This will ensure that you have healthy nails.
It is nice to be able to speak with a nail technician and get to know them on a personal level, even though it is not necessary.
Talking to your nail technician is a great way to make manicures more enjoyable, especially if you’re used to long gel manicures that can take up to three hours.
What Are People Spending on Nails
While many people enjoy the experience of having their nails done by professionals, it comes with a price.
Doing your own nails at home can help you save around $500 per year. Plus, there’s an extra $300 to do your toe nails. Yahoo! Finance.
There is nothing wrong with feeling pampered. Sometimes, however, it is difficult to replicate at home.
Key Takeaways
- The cost of professional nail painting can vary depending on the quality of the service you choose, whether it is a standard or deluxe manicure or whether you live in a city with a spa or salon that offers them.
- A manicure with expert tips (with nails painted) should be about $25.
- Pedicures with manicured nails will cost you between $25-$50 depending on what factors are involved.
- Acrylic nails are more durable than painted nails and can be purchased for between $25-75. However, you might pay $100 for elaborate acrylic designs in a salon.
- Fill in acrylic nails once every two weeks, maximum four times. Fill-ins usually cost between $20 to $40.
- Gel polish lasts about a month and costs between $40-60 depending on how complex the design is.
- A skilled nail technician must be patient, meticulous, and creative.
- You could save on average $800 per year if you get your manicures and pedicures at the salon. However, sometimes little luxuries can be worth it.